‘Terrific’ Rangers reject Jordan Thompson is becoming an international star

If there’s one position where Steven Gerrard is not short of quality, it is in central midfield.

These days, Andy Halliday and Greg Docherty can’t even get a look in at Rangers with Steven Davis, Ryan Jack, Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara all bringing something to the table.

But mention Jordan Thompson, the 22-year-old who was unceremoniously dumped by the Glasgow giants in 2018, and some supporters might still feel a pang of regret.

Thompson has gone from strength to strength since it was decided that he was lacking the required ability to make the grade at Ibrox.

A debut season at Blackpool saw Thompson contribute eight goals and assists combined as The Tangerines finished in the top half but it’s his performances on the international stage which have really caught the eye. Thompson had never played a game for the Northern Ireland by the time he left Rangers. Now, one year on, he has three caps with plenty more to follow.

Thompson produced a performance full of class as Northern Ireland beat Luxembourg 1-0 in a friendly on Thursday night with his corner setting up the only goal of the game. And manager Michael O’Neill could hardly speak higher of his new-found playmaker.

“I thought Jordan Thompson was terrific,” O’Neill told BBC. “(The youngsters) are still establishing themselves so they’re certainly ones for the future, but Jordan Thompson is one for now.

“I was impressed by his energy and his quality of his passing.”

Would Thompson walk into Rangers’ starting XI these days ahead of Kamara or Jack? Possibly, possibly not, it is hard to tell.

But more performances like this for his country, starting with Monday’s Euro 2020 qualifier against Germany, will raise more questions about whether The Gers were a little hasty letting him go.